Bibliology

I. Introduction to Bibliology
 Definition: Bibliology is the study of the nature and authority of the Bible, which is
regarded as the primary source of infallible information concerning God and His
relations to the universe.
 Purpose: To inquire about the sources of theology and establish the Bible’s authority
as the ultimate source of divine revelation.
II. Sources of Theology
1. Reason:
o Has its limitations and cannot independently lead to a full knowledge of God.
o While valuable for understanding some aspects of existence, reason alone
cannot reveal the mysteries of God’s salvation and divine purposes.
2. Mystical Insight:
o While personal spiritual experiences are important, they are subjective and
lack the authoritative nature necessary for establishing doctrine.
3. The Church:
o Roman Catholic View:
 Roman Catholicism claims that the Church is the infallible teacher of
divine truth.
 It argues that both written (Scripture) and unwritten (tradition)
revelations are preserved and interpreted infallibly by the Church
under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
 The infallibility of the Church, especially when the Pope speaks ex
cathedra, is extended to all matters of faith and morals.
o Protestant Critique:
 God has not endowed any visible organization with infallible authority.
Instead, the invisible Church, consisting of true believers, serves as the
“pillar and support of truth” (1 Tim. 3:15).
 Every true believer, through the Holy Spirit, has the ability to
understand Scripture without needing an infallible external
organization (1 John 2:20, 27).
4. Scriptures:
o The Bible is regarded as the final authority in matters of faith, morals, and
theological truth.
 o The Church’s historical belief is that the Bible is divinely inspired, genuine,
credible, and the supreme source of Christian theology.

III. The Scriptures as Divine Revelation

 Christian Tradition: Christianity has historically held that God’s revelation has a
written embodiment in the Scriptures. They are the supreme source of Christian
theology.
 Key Question: What proofs support the belief that the Bible is the divinely inspired
and authoritative source of theological truth?
IV. Proofs of the Bible as Divine Revelation
1. A Priori Argument:
 Concept: This argument starts from what is prior (God and man’s nature) to what is
posterior (the need for revelation).
 Human Need:
o Human, as a sinner, is separated from God, ignorant of salvation, and
incapable of reconciling with God by his own efforts.
o General revelations (nature, conscience) do not provide adequate answers to
humanity’s need for salvation.
 God’s Attributes:
o God is omniscient (knows man’s need), holy (cannot excuse sin), loving (may
be moved to provide a plan of salvation), and omnipotent (able to reveal His
plan).
 Conclusion: Given man’s need and God’s attributes, it is reasonable to expect that
God would provide a reliable revelation of salvation. However, this argument does not
prove certainty, only the possibility or probability of divine revelation in written form.
2. Argument from Analogy:
 Communication in Nature: Everywhere in nature, communication exists—between
animals, humans, and intelligent beings. This supports the possibility of God
communicating with humanity through a clear and direct revelation.
 Providential Forbearance:
o Evidence of God’s reparative goodness and forbearance in healing and natural
processes (e.g., recovery from disease, delayed judgment) suggests that God is
merciful and caring for His creation.
 Conclusion: The analogy from nature strengthens the possibility that God would
embody His revelation in a written form.
3. Argument from the Indestructibility of the Bible:
  Uniqueness of the Bible: Unlike most books that perish within a few decades or
centuries, the Bible has endured for millennia.
 Historical Persecution:
o Diocletian (303 AD): Attempted to destroy all copies of the Bible, believing he
had eradicated it, only for the Scriptures to re-emerge under Constantine.
o Medieval Period: The Roman Catholic Church restricted the reading and
interpretation of the Bible by laypeople, yet the Scriptures endured.
o Reformation: The Bible was translated into common languages, but severe
restrictions on its reading continued.
o Voltaire (1778): Predicted Christianity’s extinction, yet the Bible continued to
thrive.
 Modern Challenges:
o Today, attempts to diminish the Bible’s authority by relegating it to the level of
other religious texts have also failed.
 Conclusion: The Bible’s survival through persecution, restriction, and degradation is a
powerful testimony to its divine nature and authority.
The Argument from the Character of the Bible
1. Contents of the Bible:
o The Bible presents the personality, unity, and trinity of God.
o It magnifies God’s holiness and love while emphasizing His sovereignty.
o The Bible provides an account of human creation, illustrating humans as made
in God’s likeness, followed by the fall of humanity as a result of rebellion
against God.
o Sin is portrayed as inexcusable, leading to eternal punishment under God’s just
rule.
o God’s plan of salvation is laid out clearly, detailing the conditions for salvation
and the broader purposes of God concerning Israel and the Church.
o The Bible forecasts significant global events, touching upon social, economic,
political, and religious matters.
o The culmination of world events, according to Scripture, includes the second
coming of Christ, resurrections, judgments, the millennium, and the eternal
state.
Conclusion: The Bible’s comprehensive contents suggest it is the product of an infinite
God, embodying divine revelation.
2. Unity of the Bible:
 o Despite being written by 40 different authors over 1600 years, the Bible
maintains a remarkable unity.
o It contains a consistent doctrinal system, moral standards, plan of salvation,
and program for the ages.
o Different accounts of the same incidents, such as the superscription on the
cross, complement rather than contradict each other (e.g., Matthew, Mark,
Luke, and John).
o The Bible harmonizes the concepts of law and grace, as well as the doctrine of
the Holy Spirit, in progressive revelation.
o In contrast to other religious texts like the Quran, Zend Avesta, and Buddhist
scriptures, which lack structure, the Bible is a unified whole.
Conclusion: The Bible’s unity, despite its diversity of authorship, points to a divine origin.
II. The Argument from the Influence of the Bible
1. Global Influence:
o The Bible’s influence extends to the highest realms of human creativity, such
as art, architecture, literature, and music.
o Fundamental laws of nations have been shaped by the Bible’s teachings.
o The Bible has inspired social reforms and contributed to the advancement of
civilization.
2. Comparison with Other Religious Texts:
o While other texts (e.g., Quran, Book of Mormon, Confucian Classics) have
influenced cultures, their impact often led to a low view of God, indifference
toward life, and merely moral codes.
o The Bible, by contrast, has regenerated individual lives and fostered deep
moral, spiritual, and cultural growth.
Conclusion: The Bible’s profound and positive influence on humanity serves as evidence of
its divine inspiration.
III. The Argument from Fulfilled Prophecy
1. Uniqueness of Biblical Prophecy:
o Predictive prophecy is exclusive to the Bible, providing evidence of divine
foreknowledge.
o Only God can reveal the future, making prophecy a miracle of knowledge. For
instance, Peter states that prophets spoke as they were moved by the Holy
Spirit (2 Peter 1:21).
2. Examples of Fulfilled Prophecies:
 o Israel’s Dispersion: Detailed predictions about Israel’s dispersion (Deut.
28:15-68) and their restoration have been fulfilled.
o Judah and Babylon: Prophecies about the fall of Samaria and Judah, the
Babylonian captivity, and the rebuilding of Jerusalem (Isaiah 44:28) have been
historically verified.
o Gentile Nations: Predictions about the fall of Babylon, Tyre, Egypt, and other
nations have been fulfilled as outlined in the Bible.
o Four World Empires: The succession of the four world empires in Daniel 2
and 7 has largely been fulfilled, with some parts remaining for the future.
o Messianic Prophecies: Prophecies concerning Jesus Christ and His life, death,
and resurrection have been fulfilled with remarkable accuracy.
Conclusion: Fulfilled prophecy is a clear indication that the Bible contains a supernatural,
divine revelation.
IV. The Claims of the Scriptures Themselves
1. Old Testament Claims:
o Throughout the Old Testament, prophets and writers explicitly state that they
were communicating the word of God. For example:
 “The Lord spoke to Moses” (Exodus 14:1, Leviticus 4:1).
 Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel frequently used phrases
like “Thus says the Lord,” attributing their messages directly to God.
2. New Testament Claims:
o The New Testament writers also claim divine authority for their teachings:
 Paul asserts that his writings are commandments of God (1 Cor. 14:37)
and that his message should be received as the word of God (1 Thess.
2:13).
 John asserts that his testimony is God’s testimony (1 John 5:10).
 Peter reminds believers to heed the words spoken by the holy prophets
and the commandments of Christ (2 Peter 3:2).
Conclusion: Both Old and New Testaments repeatedly claim to be direct revelations from
God, further supporting the divine inspiration of Scripture.
V. Cumulative Evidence for the Inspiration of the Bible
1. Multiple Lines of Evidence:
o While no single argument may be conclusive on its own, the combined weight
of evidence from the character, unity, influence, fulfilled prophecy, and the
claims of Scripture provides a compelling case for the divine inspiration of the
Bible.
 2. Resulting Conclusion:
o When these arguments are considered collectively, they point decisively to the
Bible being the embodiment of a divine revelation. This serves as the
foundation for further study of Bibliology, the doctrine of Scripture.

The Genuineness, Credibility, and Canonicity of the Books of the Bible

When we recognize that the Bible is a divine revelation, we become concerned about the
nature of the documents that convey this revelation. We seek to understand whether the books
of the Bible are genuine, credible, and canonical. In this section, we briefly examine the
genuineness of these books.
I. The Genuineness of the Books of the Bible
 Definition: A book is genuine if it is written by the person or persons whose name it
bears or, if anonymous, by those to whom ancient tradition has assigned it. If a book
is falsely attributed to a certain time or author, it is considered spurious or forged.
 Authenticity: A book is authentic if it truthfully reports facts as they occurred. If the
text has been altered, the book is considered corrupt.
A. The Genuineness of the Old Testament Books
1. The Pentateuch (The Five Books of Moses):
o Traditional Mosaic Authorship:
 Conservative scholarship holds that Moses wrote the first five books
(Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy), known as
the Pentateuch.
 Writing was known as far back as the time of Hammurabi, and Moses
may have had access to ancient records passed down through
generations.
 The Bible repeatedly presents Moses as the author of these books (e.g.,
Exodus 17:14; 34:27; Deut. 31:9, 24).
 The New Testament also attributes various writings to Moses,
reinforcing his authorship (e.g., Luke 16:29, John 5:47, Acts 15:21).
 Internal evidence also supports Mosaic authorship, such as familiarity
with Egypt’s geography, customs, and language.
2. The Former Prophets:
o These include the books of Joshua, Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel, and 1 & 2 Kings.
o Joshua is traditionally attributed to Joshua himself.
 o Judges is believed to have been written by Samuel, as it references events after
the monarchy began and before David’s reign.
o 1 Samuel 1–24 is credited to Samuel, while 1 Samuel 25–2 Samuel 24 is
attributed to Nathan and Gad, based on 1 Chronicles 29:29.
o Jeremiah is commonly considered the author of Kings, or at least the author
was a contemporary of his.
3. The Latter Prophets:
o This section includes Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the Twelve Minor
Prophets.
o Isaiah is traditionally attributed to the prophet Isaiah himself, and both Jesus
and the apostles refer to Isaiah’s writings in the New Testament (e.g., Matt.
8:17, John 12:38-41).
o Jeremiah is said to have written his prophecies, with some assistance from his
scribe, Baruch (Jeremiah 30:2, 36:4).
o Ezekiel and Habakkuk were also commanded to write their prophecies (Ezek.
24:2, Hab. 2:2).
B. The Writings (Kethubhim)
1. The Psalms:
o The Psalms are attributed to various authors, including David (73 Psalms), the
sons of Korah, Asaph, Solomon, Moses, and others. Although the inscriptions
are not part of the original text, they are generally considered accurate.
2. The Wisdom Books:
o Proverbs is primarily attributed to Solomon. Chapters 1–24 were written by
Solomon, while chapters 25–29 were copied by Hezekiah’s men. Chapter 30 is
attributed to Agur, and chapter 31 to King Lemuel.
o Ecclesiastes is ascribed to “the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem”
(Eccl. 1:1), usually understood to be Solomon. Though there are some
linguistic debates about its authorship, most conservative scholars still assign
it to Solomon.
o The Song of Solomon is also attributed to Solomon and traditionally
understood as a genuine work of his.
3. The Historical Books:
o Job: Although the author is unknown, it is believed that Job himself may have
written the book. It is regarded as a faithful account of his experiences.
o Ruth: Traditionally, Ruth is associated with the time of Judges and may have
been written by the same author, possibly Samuel.
 o Lamentations: This book is traditionally attributed to Jeremiah, sharing
similarities in language and theme with his prophetic book.
o Esther: While some believe it was written by Mordecai, the language and style
suggest it was written by a Jewish person living in Persia at the time of the
events.
4. The Post-Exilic Books:
o Ezra and Nehemiah were likely written by Ezra and Nehemiah respectively, as
both books contain first-person accounts by these men.
o 1 & 2 Chronicles: Tradition assigns these books to Ezra as well, focusing on
the priestly aspects of Israel’s history.
5. The Book of Daniel:
o Daniel is considered the author of this book, writing in the first person
throughout. Jesus also attributes the book to Daniel (Matt. 24:15).
Summary of Key Points:
 Mosaic Authorship of the Pentateuch: Conservative scholars uphold the view that
Moses wrote the Pentateuch, supported by both internal biblical evidence and New
Testament references.
 Former Prophets: Authorship is attributed to figures like Joshua, Samuel, Nathan,
and Gad.
 Latter Prophets: Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel are traditionally
believed to have written the books that bear their names.
 The Writings: Books like Psalms, Proverbs, and Job are attributed to David,
Solomon, and Job, respectively, while historical books like Ruth, Lamentations, and
Esther reflect the times of Judges, Jeremiah, and the Persian exile.
 Post-Exilic Books: Ezra and Nehemiah are believed to have been written by their
namesakes, and the Chronicles are linked to Ezra.
Genuineness and Credibility of the Books of the New Testament
I. The Genuineness of the Books of the New Testament
The genuineness of the New Testament (NT) books refers to whether they were truly written
by the individuals traditionally associated with them. Critical studies are increasingly
supporting the traditional views on the authorship and dates of the NT books. Below are key
points regarding the major books of the NT:
 The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke): There is a growing belief that these
were written in the order of Matthew, Luke, and Mark. Early church figures like
Origen and Clement of Alexandria placed Matthew first, emphasizing the Gospels
containing genealogies. Tradition holds that Matthew preached in Palestine for about
15 years before writing a Hebrew (Aramaic) version of his Gospel around A.D. 45,
followed by a Greek version around A.D. 50.
  Mark: Believed to be written by John Mark, who likely drew upon the teachings of
Peter. This Gospel is thought to have been written around A.D. 67-68.
 Luke: Luke, a physician and companion of Paul, is widely accepted as the author of
the third Gospel, written around A.D. 58.
 John: The Gospel of John has faced skepticism due to its strong emphasis on the
deity of Christ, but evidence such as Papyrus 52 (a fragment of John 18 from the
early second century) confirms its early date and reliability.
 Acts: The book of Acts is generally attributed to Luke, continuing his Gospel account
and narrating the spread of Christianity after Christ’s ascension.
 Pauline Epistles: Most of Paul’s letters are undisputedly his, though some question
the Pastoral Epistles (1 & 2 Timothy, Titus) based on differences in style. These
variations may be explained by changes in Paul’s age, subject matter, or possible use
of an assistant.
 Hebrews: The Epistle to the Hebrews is anonymous, but it was written between
A.D. 67-69 by an educated Christian.
 General Epistles (James, Jude, Peter):
o James and Jude were likely written by Jesus’ brothers.
o 1 & 2 Peter were written by the apostle Peter, though some doubt the
authenticity of 2 Peter due to stylistic differences.
 Johannine Epistles and Revelation:
o 1, 2, and 3 John and Revelation are traditionally attributed to the apostle
John. The stylistic difference between the Epistles and Revelation might be
due to John writing the latter without assistance.
II. The Credibility of the Books of the Bible
Credibility refers to both the truthfulness of the content and the purity of the text (i.e., how
accurately the current text reflects the original).
A. Credibility (Trustworthiness) of the Old Testament
1. Christ’s Recognition of the Old Testament (OT):
o Jesus acknowledged the OT as truthful and endorsed several of its key
teachings, including:
 Creation (Mark 13:19)
 Direct creation of man (Matthew 19:4)
 Satan’s personality (John 8:44)
 The Flood of Noah’s time (Luke 17:26-27)
 Sodom and Gomorrah (Luke 17:28-30)
  The Burning Bush revelation (Mark 12:26)
 The Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch (Luke 24:27)
o Jesus, being divine, could not have affirmed incorrect teachings, so his
endorsement of the OT must be considered accurate.
2. Historical and Archaeological Evidence:
o History supports the Bible’s descriptions of major empires like Egypt,
Assyria, and Babylonia, and rulers like Sargon II (Isaiah 20:1) and
Belshazzar (Daniel 5).
o Archaeological finds, such as the Nuzi tablets and Babylonian records, affirm
key biblical stories, such as the Flood and the presence of Israel in Egypt.
o As archaeology continues to develop, more evidence confirms the accuracy of
the Bible.
B. Credibility of the New Testament
1. Competence of the Writers:
o The NT writers were qualified to bear testimony:
 Matthew, John, and Peter were eyewitnesses of Christ’s life.
 Mark was Peter’s interpreter.
 Luke was a companion of Paul.
 Paul received his teachings directly from Christ.
 James and Jude were brothers of Jesus.
o All these writers were guided by the Holy Spirit, ensuring that their writings
conveyed divine truth.
2. Honesty of the Writers:
o Their writings reflect a commitment to truth, even at personal risk (social
status, material prosperity, and life). The NT’s moral tone further supports
their sincerity.
3. Harmony of the Writings:
o The Gospels and Epistles harmonize with each other without contradiction.
While different writers emphasize different aspects, their teachings align and
support a consistent picture of Christ and early Christian doctrine.
4. Agreement with History and Experience:
o The NT includes accurate references to historical figures such as Herod the
Great, Herod Agrippa, and Gallio (Acts 18:12-17). No historical facts
contradict the NT accounts.
 o While physical miracles were more frequent in the NT era, spiritual
miracles still occur today, affirming the continuation of God’s

Conclusion
The genuineness and credibility of the New Testament books are well-supported by
tradition, historical evidence, the integrity of the authors, and their consistency with known
facts. This provides a strong basis for accepting the NT as a reliable and trustworthy source of
Christian doctrine and history.
The Canonicity of the Books of the Bible
A. Definition of “Canon”
 Origin: The word “canon” comes from the Greek word kanon, meaning a reed or rod,
used as a measuring stick.
 Meaning:
1. A rule or standard.
2. An authoritative decision of a church council.
3. Applied to the Bible, it refers to books measured,
4. B. The Canonicity of the Old Testament Books
1. Threefold Division in the Hebrew Bible:
o Law: The Pentateuch (attributed to Moses).
o Prophets: Books written by prophets in office (e.g., Amos, who became a
prophet after God’s calling).
o Kethubhim (Writings): Subdivided into categories based on content or usage.
Examples:
 Poetical Books: Psalms, Proverbs, Job.
 Megilloth: Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther
(read at Jewish feasts).
 Non-Prophetical Historical Books: Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah,
Chronicles.
2. Council of Jamnia (A.D. 90):
o Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon were debated until this council.
o Some argue the canon of the Old Testament was closed at this time, or around
A.D. 200, but ongoing disagreements do not nullify the authority of the canon.
3. Finalization of the Old Testament Canon:
 o Jewish Scholars: David Kimchi (1160-1232) and Elias Levita (1465-1549)
believed the canon was completed by Ezra and the Great Synagogue in the 5th
century B.C.
o Josephus (1st Century A.D.): Confirmed the same threefold division and
indicated that the canon was completed in the reign of Artaxerxes,
corresponding to Ezra’s lifetime.
o Ezra’s Role: Ezra likely organized the Old Testament books due to his
reputation as a skilled scribe (Neh. 8:1, Ezra 7:6, 7:11).
4. Exclusion of the Apocrypha:
o Although included in the Septuagint, the Apocrypha was never accepted into
the Hebrew canon.
C. The Canonicity of the New Testament Books
1. Formation of the New Testament Canon:
o The canon formed naturally, based on the authenticity and spiritual authority
of the books.
2. Criteria for Canonical Books:
o Apostolicity: The author must be an apostle or have a close relationship with
an apostle.
o Suitability for Public Reading: The book must be deemed appropriate for the
congregation.
o Universality: The book must be accepted throughout the Christian
community.
o Spiritual Content: The content must be spiritually valuable and in line with
Christian teachings.
o Inspiration by the Holy Spirit: The book must give evidence of divine
inspiration.
3. Antilegomena (Disputed Books):
o By the end of the 2nd century, all but seven books (Hebrews, 2 and 3 John, 2
Peter, Jude, James, and Revelation) were universally recognized.
o By the end of the 4th century, all 27 books of the New Testament were
recognized across the Western Church.
4. Councils Confirming the Canon:
o Damasine Council of Rome (382) and the Third Council of Carthage (397):
Settled the canon in the West.
o By the year 500, the Greek-speaking Eastern Church also accepted the entire
New Testament canon.
 o Despite these councils, there have always been individuals or smaller groups
who have challenged certain books.

The Inspiration of the Scriptures

The inspiration of the Scriptures refers to the belief that the Bible is not merely a collection of
ancient religious writings but is the divinely revealed and authoritative Word of God. It goes
beyond being a historical or moral document and is considered infallible and inspired by God
Himself. Here is a brief summary of key points regarding the inspiration of Scripture based
on your provided text:
I. Definition of Inspiration
Inspiration involves the process by which God guided the writers of the Bible to record His
truth. Several related terms help to clarify its meaning:
1. Revelation – God’s self-disclosure, through which He reveals truths that cannot be
known otherwise. Inspiration is the process of recording these truths.
2. Inspiration – The act of the Holy Spirit guiding biblical writers to record God’s Word
without error.
3. Authority – The Bible has divine authority, making it binding on human beliefs and
actions.
4. Inerrancy – Scripture is without error in its original manuscripts and infallible in all
matters, including historical, scientific, and moral teachings.
5. Illumination – The Holy Spirit’s work in helping believers understand the truths of
Scripture.
II. Inadequate Theories of Inspiration
There are several inadequate theories about the nature of biblical inspiration:
1. Natural Inspiration – The view that inspiration is simply the heightened insight of
the biblical authors.
2. Partial Inspiration – The belief that the Bible is only inspired in matters of faith and
practice but not in other areas like history or science.
3. Thought Inspiration – The idea that only the thoughts of the writers were inspired,
while the words were their own.
4. Bible Contains the Word of God – The view that the Bible becomes the Word of
God during personal encounters, but parts of it may contain mythical elements.
5. Dictation Theory – The belief that the writers were mere instruments, recording
God’s words mechanically without their own personalities involved.
III. The Biblical Doctrine of Inspiration
The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit superintended the writing process, ensuring that the
authors recorded God’s truth accurately. Important aspects of inspiration include:
1. Inspiration is Inexplicable – The process is mysterious and divine.
2. Limited to the Bible – No other books are inspired in the same way.
3. Guidance – The Holy Spirit directed the choice of materials and words.
4. Verbal and Plenary Inspiration – Every word of Scripture is inspired, not just the
general thoughts.
5. Inspiration of Autographs – Inspiration applies only to the original manuscripts.
IV. Proofs of Inspiration
1. Character of God – A loving and all-powerful God would ensure that His message is
communicated without error, especially concerning spiritual and eternal truths.
2. Character and Claims of the Bible – The Bible itself makes claims of divine
inspiration, and its moral and ethical teachings surpass those of any other religious
texts.
This understanding of inspiration underscores the belief that the Bible is not only a human
book but a divinely inspired text, making it authoritative and trustworthy in all it affirms.

Plenary Inspiration of Scripture

1. Definition of Plenary Inspiration
Plenary inspiration refers to the belief that every part of Scripture is equally inspired by
God. This means that all sections of the Bible, including history, doctrine, and poetry, are
fully inspired by God. The term “plenary” comes from the Latin plenus, meaning “full” or
“complete,” emphasizing that the entire Bible is God-breathed and authoritative.
2. The Lord’s Views on Inspiration
 Jesus and Scripture: Jesus affirmed the authority and inspiration of the Old
Testament, referring to it as “the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms” (Luke
24:44). He claimed that the Scriptures cannot be broken (John 10:35).
 Fulfillment of the Law: Jesus said He came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it
(Matt. 5:17). He affirmed the verbal inspiration of Scripture by stating that not the
smallest letter or stroke would disappear from the Law until all is fulfilled (Matt.
5:18).
 Role of the Holy Spirit: Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would help His disciples
understand and teach the truth. The Spirit would bring to their remembrance
everything Jesus taught and guide them into all truth (John 14:26; 16:13). This
guidance includes not just the earthly life of Christ, but also the doctrinal teachings in
the Epistles and the prophetic visions in the Revelation.
3. The Apostles and Inspiration
 The apostles claimed to have received the Holy Spirit, and they spoke under His
inspiration (Acts 2:4, 1 Cor. 2:10-12). Paul, for instance, referred to the authority
given to him by the Spirit when he addressed issues in the churches, including those
where Jesus Himself had not directly spoken (1 Cor. 7:12, 7:40).
 Inspiration and Error: Even when biblical figures like Paul expressed ignorance
(e.g., Acts 23:5, where Paul did not recognize the high priest), the record of their
speech is considered inspired. This means the Bible truthfully records what was said,
but it doesn’t always affirm the truthfulness of every statement made by individuals
within the text.

4. Addressing Objections to Plenary Inspiration

A. Quotations of Ignorance or Error
 Paul’s Ignorance: In Acts 23:5, Paul admits ignorance regarding the identity of the
high priest. This doesn’t challenge inspiration because the Bible truthfully records
what Paul said, even if it reflects his lack of knowledge.
 Job’s Comforters: The speeches of Job’s friends contain errors, but the Bible
accurately records what they said. This distinction between what is accurately
recorded and what is true is important.
B. Inspiration and Science/History
 The Bible is not a textbook on science or history, but when it touches on these
subjects, it speaks truthfully.
 Apparent contradictions, such as the sun “rising” and “setting,” reflect
phenomenological language—describing things as they appear rather than
scientifically.
 Archaeological Confirmations: Archaeological discoveries have confirmed many
historical details in both the Old and New Testaments, supporting the reliability of the
biblical accounts. Examples include the historical figures of Hammurabi, Sargon II,
and Quirinius (Luke 2:2).
C. Miracles and Prophecy
 The miracles of Christ are inseparable from the rest of His life. To deny the miracles
is to undermine the entire narrative of Christ.
 Fulfilled prophecies about Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Israel further support the
Bible’s divine inspiration. Prophecies that seem unfulfilled are often subject to false
interpretations and await future fulfillment.
D. Quoting and Interpreting the Old Testament
 The New Testament writers often quote the Old Testament to support their teachings.
Sometimes they:
 1. Use borrowed language without claiming to interpret the passage (e.g., Rom.
10:6-8; Deut. 30:12-14).
2. Point out typological elements in Old Testament stories (e.g., Matt. 2:15; Hos.
11:1).
3. Combine multiple quotations into one for emphasis (e.g., Mark 1:2f; Isa.
40:3; Mal. 3:1).
 The work of the Holy Spirit in producing Scripture allows for flexibility in the use of
Old Testament texts.
E. Morals and Religion in the Bible
 Sinful acts (e.g., Noah’s drunkenness, David’s adultery) are recorded in the Bible but
never condoned. These narratives often highlight the sinfulness of humans, but not
divine approval of those actions.
 Seemingly condoned actions: Some acts, such as Rahab’s deception, are recognized
for their good intention (faith, patriotism), not the immoral means used to achieve
them.
 Divine permissions: In certain cases, God allowed things like divorce and retaliation
under the Old Covenant, though they were not part of His ideal will.

5. Objections to Books in the Canon

 Some books like Esther, Job, Song of Solomon, and Revelation have been criticized
for not fitting with the rest of Scripture. However, when their purpose is understood,
these books contribute significantly to the overall theological narrative of the Bible.
Conclusion
The doctrine of plenary inspiration teaches that the Bible is fully and equally inspired in all
its parts. While challenges arise in understanding certain passages, these objections often
stem from misinterpretations or a lack of understanding of the Bible’s purpose. In light of the
overwhelming evidence, believers can trust in the divine origin and authority of Scripture.

The Sufficiency of Scripture

Definition:
 The sufficiency of Scripture means that the Bible contains all the words of God that
He intended His people to have at each stage of redemptive history.
 It now contains everything we need for:
o Salvation.
o Trusting God perfectly.
o Obeying God perfectly.
Key Idea:
 Scripture Alone: It is in Scripture alone that we find God’s words to us. We are not to
search for divine instruction elsewhere.
 Contentment in Revelation: God has given us all that is necessary for life and faith,
and we should be content with what He has revealed in the Bible.

Biblical Support for the Sufficiency of Scripture

1. 2 Timothy 3:15–17:
o The sacred writings (Scripture) instruct us for salvation through faith in Christ
Jesus.
o These Scriptures make us wise for salvation.
o Scripture equips us for every good work, making us “complete.”
2. Psalm 119:1, 9:
o Equates being blameless with walking in the law of the Lord.
o Indicates that obeying the commands of Scripture makes a person “blameless”
before God.
o For purity, one must guard their ways according to God’s Word.
Implications of the Sufficiency of Scripture
1. Sufficiency for Salvation and Obedience:
o Everything necessary for salvation and living the Christian life is found in the
Bible.
o We do not need to search outside the Bible for instructions on how to trust or
obey God.
2. Ability to Find Doctrinal Clarity:
o We can study specific biblical passages to find answers to doctrinal issues
(e.g., atonement, the work of the Holy Spirit, etc.).
o The sufficiency of Scripture makes it possible to draw accurate conclusions
about Christian beliefs and moral practices.

Historical Stages of Redemptive History

1. Scripture’s Progress:
o At each stage of redemptive history, the amount of revelation God gave was
sufficient for that period.
 o Over time, more revelation was added as God unfolded His plan, but each
stage had everything necessary for the people of that time.
2. Example: Deuteronomy 29:29:
o God reveals what is necessary for us to obey, and He keeps secret what we
don’t need to know.
o What is revealed is for our benefit and sufficient for us and our children to
follow God’s commands.

Practical Applications of the Sufficiency of Scripture

1. Search the Bible for Answers:
o The sufficiency of Scripture encourages us to look to the Bible for answers to
doctrinal and practical questions.
o Deuteronomy 29:29 reminds us that the Bible contains guidance for problems
of genuine importance to our Christian lives.
2. Examples of Non-Essential Questions:
o There are issues the Bible does not directly address (e.g., worship order,
posture in prayer).
o In these cases, Scripture gives freedom, as God has not prescribed a specific
action.
Warnings Against Violating the Sufficiency of Scripture
1. Do Not Add to Scripture:
o Warning: We must not add anything to the Bible or consider other writings to
be of equal value.
o Examples of groups that violate this principle:
 Mormons: Hold the Book of Mormon as divinely inspired alongside
the Bible.
 Christian Scientists: Treat Science and Health with a Key to the
Scriptures as equal or higher than the Bible.
o Scriptural Support: Deuteronomy 4:2 commands not to add to or subtract
from God’s Word.
2. Do Not Consider Extra-Biblical Revelations Equal to Scripture:
o Some people claim modern-day revelations (e.g., from charismatic movements
or personal experiences) are from God. However, none should be considered
on par with Scripture.
o Any moral directive or teaching must be confirmed by Scripture.
 o 2 Timothy 3:17: Scripture equips us fully for every good work; no additional
revelations are necessary.
3. Do Not Add More Sins or Requirements:
o The sufficiency of Scripture teaches that nothing is sinful unless it is explicitly
or implicitly forbidden in the Bible.
o Certain practices, like drinking coffee or attending movies, are not inherently
sinful unless Scripture provides specific reasons or principles prohibiting them
(e.g., 1 Corinthians 8–10).
o We must avoid adding extra prohibitions that the Bible does not enforce on all
believers.
Encouragements from the Sufficiency of Scripture
1. Joy and Freedom in Christian Living:
o Knowing that Scripture is sufficient should bring freedom and peace.
Christians no longer need to worry about seeking God’s will outside of
Scripture.
o Psalm 119:44–45, 165: Obedience to God’s law brings liberty and peace.
2. Be Content with What Scripture Reveals:
o We must be content with the emphasis and amount of revelation given in the
Bible.
o Deuteronomy 29:29: God has revealed what He deems right for us. We
should not demand more than what is given.
o The Bible contains all we need to live faithful lives. Some issues receive little
emphasis (e.g., church government, the nature of Christ’s presence in the
Lord’s Supper), and we should not overemphasize them.
Conclusion: The Doctrine of the Sufficiency of Scripture
 The sufficiency of Scripture teaches us that everything God requires us to know and
do is found within the Bible.
 We should:
o Study the Bible for guidance.
o Avoid adding anything to it.
o Be content with what is revealed.
o Embrace the freedom and peace that come from knowing God’s will is fully
contained in His Word.